Chennai was enjoying comfortable weather conditions till May 16. But since then, the city has received no rainfall causing day temperatures in the city to rise on a daily basis. By May 21, temperature in Chennai crossed the 40°C mark and has been hovering around 40 to 41°C since then. In fact, on Sunday, Chennai observed the hottest day of the year with day temperature recording at 41.6°C.
When you compare high day temperatures in coastal and interior areas, there’s a big difference in terms of apparent temperature. For example, 40°C in New Delhi with a relative humidity of around 20-25%, will feel like 40°C only. Hence, discomfort level in New Delhi will be less. But 40°C in Chennai, coupled with a relative humidity of 40 to 50%, will lead to a manifold increase in discomfort level in the city. Such discomfort can lead to several summer related problems like anxiety, dehydration, and even heat strokes.
At present, people in Chennai are feeling distressed due to hot and sticky conditions in the city. Experts say that it is important to keep yourself hydrated in such conditions as chances of heat stroke and even death increase during such inclement weather conditions. Already, hundreds have died due to heat wave conditions across the country.
To add to the woes of Chennaiites, no active weather system is present over Tamil Nadu currently. A feeble trough may develop in interior parts of the state, but Chennai is not expected to get any relief from it. As of now, no respite is expected in the city for a week or so.
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(Featured Image Credit: mediatimez.com)
